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Asset Type
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Helps troubleshoot air removal concerns related to chamber level, tubing setup, connections, or visible circuit issues.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Confirm patient safety
Ensure the patient is protected and clinical staff are aware of the alarm before troubleshooting. Expected outcome: Safe patient management is maintained.
2. Confirm the reported condition
Verify the exact alarm and circumstances surrounding the air removal problem. Expected outcome: The issue is accurately identified.
3. Inspect visible tubing and connections
Check for loose connections, air entry points, damaged tubing, or improper external setup. Expected outcome: External causes are identified or ruled out.
4. Verify circuit positioning
Inspect visible circuit routing for conditions that may affect proper flow. Expected outcome: Tubing routing is appropriate.
5. Review recent setup changes
Determine whether the issue began after circuit installation or handling. Expected outcome: Setup-related causes are evaluated.
6. Perform final verification
Verify normal operation and absence of recurring air-related alarms. Expected outcome: Device operates normally and troubleshooting can stop.
If the Problem Persists
External circuit and setup issues have been ruled out. The device should be:
- Removed from service if safe operation cannot be maintained
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for repair or bench evaluation
- Evaluated using appropriate manufacturer documentation and approved test equipment
- Repaired only by qualified personnel
Clinical Use Tip
Do not continue therapy if safe circuit operation cannot be confirmed.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Clinical staff reported a deaeration chamber level alarm on the PrisMax CRRT system."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found an external circuit setup issue affecting air removal performance."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering corrected the external setup and verified normal operation."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Alarm message
- Circuit condition
- Tubing inspection
- Connection condition
- Recent circuit changes
- Final verification
Final Thought
Safe troubleshooting requires careful external inspection, patient protection, and escalation when device operation cannot be verified. Clear documentation completes the process. That is successful troubleshooting.